Tellurian optoexplosive system including nuclear explosive light generator and target irradiation

ABSTRACT

This disclosure relates to a tellurian(underground) system(an explotron) for the close-in treatment of an irradiable target by explosion-formed electromagnetic energies characterized as reflectable off a frangible reflective optic such that the target is not overwhelmed by non-reflectable explosion energies like blast and plasma. A typical tellurian explotron is a main duct horizontally sited below the ground, within one end of which is positioned and fired a mass of chemical or nuclear explosive (the optoexplosive) that generates electromagnetic and kinetic energies. Junctured midway or at any other convenient site along the main duct is at least one ductoid branch member, which rises to the ground surface and couples with the irradiable target. At the furcation of main duct and branch there is emplaced at a suitable angle a frangible reflective optic such as an aluminum foil mirror which delivers the faster-moving, reflectable radiation via the branch to the target, while the slower-moving, non-reflectable energies transit the main duct and break out the frangible reflective optic, being deposited in the opposite end of the main duct(the shock sink).

States Patent 1 eent [ 1 3,715,596 Feb. 6, 1973 [54] TELLURIAN OPTOEXPLOSIVE SYSTEM INCLUDING NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE LIGHT GENERATOR AND TARGET IRRADIATION [76] Inventor: Jack DeMent, 4847 SE. Division Street, Portland, Oreg. 97206 [22] Filed: Aug. 7, 1968 21 Appl. No.: 750,979

I Related U.S. Application Data [63] Continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 407,461, Oct. 29,

1964, Pat. No. 3,414,838.

[52] U.S. Cl ..250/84, 33/1 HH, 73/35,

240/1 R, 331/945, 350/161, 250/83 R [51] Int. Cl ..G2lh 5/03 [58] Field of Search ..33l/94.5; 240/1 R; 250/84 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,300,734 1/1967 DeMent ..33l/94.5

Primary Examiner-Roy Lake Assistant Examiner-Darwin R. Hostetter [57] ABSTRACT This disclosure relates to a tellurian(underground) system(an explotron) for the close-in treatment of an irradiable target by explosion-formed electromagnetic energies characterized as reflectable off a frangible reflective optic such that the target is not overwhelmed by non-reflectable explosion energies like blast and plasma. A typical tellurian explotron is a main duct horizontally sited below the ground, within one end of which is positioned and fired a mass of chemical or nuclear explosive (the optoexplosive) that generates electromagnetic and kinetic energies. Junctured midway or at any other convenient site along the main duct is at least one ductoid branch member, which rises to the ground surface and couples with the irradiable target. At the furcation of main duct and branch there is emplaced at a suitable angle a frangible reflective optic such as an aluminum foil mirror which delivers the faster-moving, reflectableradiation via the branch to the target, while the slower-moving, non-reflectable energies transit the main duct and break out the frangible reflective optic, being deposited in the opposite end of the main duct(the shock sink).

25 Claims, 8Drawing Figures PATENTEU FEB 6 I975 I SHEET 10F 3 PATENTEDFEB 6l975 3.715.596 SHEET 20F 3 a FIG. 6

PATENIEDFEH a ma 3,715,596 sum 3 or s Fl G 7 I56 lo4 TELLUlRIAN OPTOEXPLOSIVE SYSTEM INCLUDING NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVE LIGHT GENERATOR AND TARGET IRRADIATION This is a continuation-in-part of my US. Ser. No. 407,461, filed Oct. 29, 1964, titled Explodable Light Source and Laser Light Generator", now US. Pat. No. 3,414,838, granted Dec.3, 1968, filed Oct. 29, 1964.

This invention relates to optoexplosive systems, particularly those of the tellurian variety, which employ chemical explosives or explosions(CX) and nuclear explosives or explosions(NX), generally of substantial yield, for the production of certain electromagnetic radiations.

These electromagnetic radiations include those lying in the long wavelength(or so-called soft) X-ray, ultraviolet, visible, infrared, and/or the trans-infrared portions of the spectrum.

The present improvement also includes target irradiation, as well as nuclear explosive light generation. Additionally there is included light pulse generation of sinusoid nature, also a new family of optics-which I designate as frangible reflective optics(FRO).

In addition to the feature of light generation by CX and NX explosions, this improvement is characterized by light (which term will be taken to broadly include the electromagnetic spectrum just delineated, and further explained below) substantially free of blast(or shock), explosion debris, highly penetrating electromagnetic and particulate radiation, and the like, depending upon the explosive employed.

This disclosure includes the following sections:

Objects Features Drawings Geoengineering Systems Design Frangible Reflective Optics Chemical Optoexplosives Nuclear'Optoexplosives Optoexplosion Modifiers Beam Manipulation Large Area Optics Irradiable Target In my presentation I have liberally cross-referenced in an endeavor to tie the many facets of this broad subject into a coherent package.

Since this and the parent invention encompass many branches of the arts, sciences and industriesand is a highly multi-disciplinary engineering and systems design entity-it is necessary for me to: (a) explain certain of the relevant facts in the one or more specialties which may otherwise not be clear to those in other specialties, theoretical and/or applied; (b) provide a consistent nomenclature and terminology derived substantially from the various specialties wherever the need may be evident, including the sparse use of acronyms for convenience and brevity, also to point up the novelty of the large family of optoexplosive systemstellurian or other; and (c) cite and give pertinent, relevant and follow through literature and sources of information which the artizan, student or other interested party can get a basis in-depth understanding of the phenomena of separation of light from shock in an explosive light source, which information is not always necessary or practicable to set out in lengthy discourse herein.

Herein I employ the term light" in a generic sense, to include electromagnetic radiation defined as optical radiation lying within the optical spectrum. The

optical spectrum is taken to mean that portion of the electromagnetic spectrum between approximately l0 and 10 microns. This definition agrees with good physics practice in that the ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiations can be thought of collectively as the optical spectrum not only due to similar emission processes, but also due to common experimental techniques such as the use of lenses and mirrors for focusing the radiation and prisms and gratings for separating the constituent wavelengths, as well as filters, polarizers and like optic elements for imparting some special characteristic to a light beam. The end points of the spectrum are rather arbitrary. On the long wavelength end the infrared and microwaves overlap(hence my use of the term trans-infrared, supra). The same is true where X-rays and ultraviolet merge, at about 10 microns(l00 Angstroms(A)). Division of the various regions into near, intermediate, far, and extreme, differ somewhat among physicists, and the standard literature is referred to for information of this kind. Depending upon the discipline the wavelengths units may differ, e.g., the micron for the infrared, the millimicron(or nanometer) for the visible, and the Angstrom for the ultraviolet and soft-X-ray. Herein, these units may be used interchangeably.

Whilel prefer to utilize highly reflective, mirror-like substances of the conventional kinds(e.g., polished metals) in the makeup of an FRO, I particularly point out that when I employ terms like reflection and reflective I use them in the context of optics, physical optics and like disciplines. Thus: when light(as defined herein) strikes a boundary separating two media(more than two can be involved) of different refractivities, some of the light is specularly reflected, some is scattered or diffusely reflected, and the remainder enters the second medium. The amount specularly reflected depends upon both the angle of incidence, i, and the polarization of the incident light. To the best of my knowledge, for explosive light sources very little factual data are available on polarized explosion light. Unless Z i= 0, the reflected light is planepolarized(partially), even when the incident light is not. The component has its electric vector perpendicular to the plane of i(i.e., polarized in the plane of incidence) and is more strongly reflected than the other. As i increases from 0 to the ratio of the reflectivities of the two components passes through a maximum, called the Brewster angle and given by the relation tanL i= n. At the Brewster angle the reflected light is almost completely plane-polarized.

The reflectivity or reflectance, R, is the ratio R 1,, where I, and I are the intensities of the incident and of the specularly reflected light, respectively. Neglecting absorption and scattering the reflectivity of a transparent medium is if the incident light is plane-polarized in the plane of i(i.e., electric vector parallel to the reflecting surface); and

if it is plane-polarized normal to the plane of incidence, wherein i is the angle of incidence and r that of refraction.

If the incident light is unpolarized, as appears to be the case of a symmetric or spheroidal explosion of CX or NX, then R should be half the sum of the two foregoing expressions. In the case of an asymmetric, directedenergy or other specialty CX or NX explosion(or explosive light source) it should be expected that R should lie between 0.5 and 1.0.

As the index of refraction of the second medium(the FRO in this case) with reference to the first medium(loading gas or environmental medium in this case) is n sin i/sin r, the expressions may be derived to the usual fresnel relation of:

For purposes of orientation the parent invention sets out the extraction of substantially shock free light from an explosive(or explodable) light source whereby there is fired or detonated an explosive light source characterized as generating electromagnetic energies concurrently with non-electromagnetic energies; directing both of the said energies against a frangible optic; reflecting the said electromagnetic energies from the optic; and shortly thereafter by virtue of the inherent velocity differences between the two forms of energy impacting the non-electromagnetic energies upon the frangible, reflective optic to cause the destruction of the optic; and directing the destructed optic together with the non-electromagnetic energies in a direction away from the direction of the reflected electromagnetic energies.

Typically, the frangible optic includes a breakable or like destructible mirror or mirror-optic, e.g., mirror lens or reflection grating, impacted by energies derived from explosives (e.g., solid chemical explosive, hypergolics, and exploded colloidochemical systems(e.g., metal particulates and gases); also, exploding and imploding wires, sheets, tubes and the like).

There is thus derived a large and flexible family of light sources-which I designate by the term EX- PLOTRON--typically made up ofa T or Y furcated tubular system wherein the frangible, reflective optic is positioned at the crotch so as to receive explosiongenerated light and pass same into one arm of the system while into a shock-sink there is subsequently received non-light energies, i.e., blast and the like.

In this invention I refine and extend certain of the basic features of the parent invention. For example, the frangible, reflective optic can be of timed-life character. Typically this is an optic which fails to reflect incident light at some specific or special point in the explosive light pulse, which point may be well before impingement of the subsequent blast. The result is the reflection of a sinusoid fragment or bit of light from that pulse.

Thus, in the double pulse which characterizes many nuclear explosives all of the light energy of the initial or prompt pulse plus a portion of the longer lasting and usually less intense second or delayed pulse can be extracted by timed-life frangible, reflective optic and shunted into an irradiable target.

Furthermore, the frangible, reflective optic(FRO) can in this improvement be either passive or active. In the case of the usual mirror lens system it is passive; in contrast, when energy is introduced into an FRO to give it special optical qualities it can be said to comprise an active FRO. This an similar features are set out in detail hereinafter, including FRO of both simple(e.g., purely reflective) and compound(e.g., reflection-refraction by virtue of an overlay of refractive or other optically active medium) types.

In addition, herein there is set forth explosive light sources which may be symmetric or asymmetric in terms of light release. For example, CX os mass configuration which upon explosion creates light of cruciform nature and distribution.

It is a feature of the present improvement to utilize fully or partially earth or earth-like conduit arrangements in a furcated mode and having at least one frangible reflective optic to separate and shunt the reflective portion of the electromagnetic spectrum into a light leg, away from and substantially freed of blast/shock energies, explosion debris, penetrating radiation, and the like, the combination of the aforesaid reflective electromagnetic radiations and the unwanted and ancillary energies originating together in the explosion of a chemical explosive(CX), a nuclear explosive(NX), or the combination of the two (CX/NX), as may be desired.

It is a feature of this invention to supply to an irradiable target reflected and reflectable light of electromagnetic nature for purposes of absorption by that target.

It is a feature of this improvement to provide (a) ultrahigh power electromagnetic energy fluxes reflected to an irradiable target and/or (b) specific and special light bands characterized by profiles of large aperture, area or the like.

It is a feature of the present invention to select from. an explosion pulse, whether it be CX or NX or the like, a sinusoid fragment of light of particular intensity-time configuration and deliver that sinusoid light bit free of blast and extraneous energies to an irradiable target.

Accordingly:

It is an object of this invention to provide method and means for the separation of light from blast and shock, debris, particulate and penetrating, and like energies generated in a chemical or nuclear explosion or both;

It is also an object of this invention to provide explosive method and means for the production of reflectable X-ray(often called soft X-ray), ultraviolet, visible, infrared and transinfrared light in beams of high energy and/or large cross-sectional area, as may be desired;

It is an object hereof to generate light beams originating in a nuclear explosion which may be characterized as free of nuclear blast and debris and unwanted particulate and penetrating nuclear radiations, which light beams I designate as "clean atomic light"(CAL);

Likewise, to generate CAL beams of shaped crosssectional profile, which CAL beams I designate herein as shaped atomic light(SAL);

It is also an object of this invention to produce intense light beams originating in chemical or nuclear explosion and to irradiate an irradiable target with said beams;

It is an object of this improvement to produce high power light pulses characterized as varying in intensity with time, i.e., the sinusoid bits of optical energy disclosed herein.

Other objects of this hereinafter.

invention are set out Traditionally, explosives have been utilized for their blast and shock effects. In fact, the energy which ap pears as light flash has often been considered undesirable. Generally this may be said to be true of chemical explosives, and, increasingly true of nuclear explosives. Perhaps an exception would be photoflash bombs which are usually designed for aerial use, but which are characterized by a small amount of blast and a relatively long burning time. Perhaps another exception in cludes nuclear explosions at reduced atmospheric pressure(at high altitudes), where the optical energy output may attain upwards of 80 percent of the overall yield of the device; for present purposes this will have to be regarded as rather coincidental in that it is an environment-dependent quality and not having to do with the design of the NX per se.

Evidently, then, an entire new science and technolo' gywhich I call optoexplosives technology-opens once it is feasible to (a) extract blast-free light from a chemical or nuclear explosion and (b) optimize CX and NX to liberate larger proportions of their energies as usable optical energies or light than they presently do. The parent invention as well as the instant disclosure provides method and means for attaining (a). The design optimization of conventional CX and, quite particularly, of certain NX for light generation must be regarded as a rather neglected aspect of the overall energy picture.

Thus, nuclear blast is used, as in PLOWSI-IARE and like nuclear engineering work; and nuclear radiation is used for food or other product irradiation. But apparently little or no attention has been given the production of blast-free and radiation-free nuclear light by NX, let alone its many actual and potential uses.

DRAWINGS For other objects and features and for a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the parent disclosure cited supra and to the following detailed description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings which, unless otherwise noted hereinafter, may be taken as diagrammatic, sectional, foreshortened, subgrade elevation:

The drawings in brief:

FIG. 1 is in side elevation an optoexplosive system of tellurian character of T-configuration;

FIG. 2 is in side elevation a tellurian optoexplosive system of Y-conflguration;

FIG. 3 is in side elevation a tellurian optoexplosive system corresponding to a multiple Y-conflguration or multiple T-configuration, or of other furcation as hereinafter described, and termed a zig-zag or blindalley configuration for purposes of convenience;

FIG. 4 represents in side elevation a multilegged, tellurian optoexplosive system;

FIG. 5 shows in schematic form and in side elevation a tellurian optoexplosive system of say T-configuration or the like characterized by multiple frangible and/or nonfrangible reflective optics;

FIG. 6 is a graph with arbitrary intensity and time coordinates, which depicts certain salient facets of the energy-shock release of a nuclear explosive;

FIG. 7 schematically represents in side elevation a portion of a typical tellurian optoexplosive system of say T-butt configuration wherein interial(falling, sliding or the like) mass is operant; and

FIG. 8 is similar to FIG. 7, except that a shaped charge or directed or asymmetric explosive force is involved.

Whereas the accompanying drawings generally portray the present invention in terms of (a) side elevation and (b) tellurian (e.g., subterranean) environment, it is noted that the optoexplosive system may be viewed in plan or other appropriate manner as regards spatial arrangement with respect to ground or surface line or contour. Also that the tellurian optoexplosive system can, as desired and according to the modification hereof, be wholly closed or partially closed, i.e., with access and egress in terms of explosive, target, venting or the like. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art and as detailed subsequently, numerous modifications and variations are feasible. The choice of these will naturally depend upon the parameters involved.

Taking the accompanying drawings in detail, with elaboration andrnodifications subsequentlydisclqsed:

FIG. 1 shows in side elevation a tellurian optoexplosive system characterized by T-configuration. Beneath the surface of the earth(e.g., rock, ice, permafrost or the like) 20, there is a T-shaped tunnel, duct, shaft or like system having three legs l4, l6 and 18. Positioned at or near the end of explosion leg 14 is an explosive device or mass 10, which may be chemical explosive or nuclear explosive or both(CX, NX or CX/NX, respectively), 10 being in communication with firing or detonating cable or the like 12 exiting at 20. Optionally, 14 may have a vent or like duct 22 rising to 20. Optionally, 18 may have a vent or like shaft 24 rising to 20.

Positioned at the juncture or crotch of the T tunnel system, 14, 16, 18, isa frangible, reflective optic 26, which may be a breakable plane or non-plane mirror optic or other frangible, reflective optic(FRO) as hereinafter described. The angular positioning of member 26 is such that it is optically coupled to light passing down 14 and to an irradiable target shown as 30. Thus upon the detonation via 12 and explosion of 10 a prompt burst of light 34 is created, with blast and shock and explosion debris 32 following thereafter, depending upon the nature of 10 and the pressure within the system-Light 34 incidents upon 26 and reflects therefrom to 30. Subsequent blast 32 may destroy the FRO 26, to pass into the shock-sink leg 18.

Further in FIG. 1, FRO 26 may be of such nature that it is characterized by a timed-life. That is, by virtue of melting, burning, vaporization, explosion, or the like, it ceases to perform as a FRO at a point before the arrival of blast 32, its reflecting lifetime hence deciding the intensity-time qualities of the light pulse reflected into 16. FRO members 26 of a rather large number and wide variety can be employed, and both active and passive FRO members are described later herein.

In FIG. 1 it is noted that the irradiable target 30 is schematically depicted as positioned at the mount of 16 at 20. As may be desired, 30 may be placed in any appropriate position and at any appropriate distance, e.g., mounted upon or within a tower, suspended by balloon, or otherwise positioned in the atmosphere, as long as 30 is optically coupled via 26 to light 34. In the case of explosions of low yield or relatively little destruction to the T system an angular duct 28 can, optionally, be employed to feed subsequent FRO members for a sequence of explosions; 28 may, as desired, also serve as venting means.

Alternatively, in FIG. 1, light leg 16 together with target 30 need not egress at 20. For example, the entire T system can be subterranean and comprise a closed system, in which case 30 may be positioned within a closed leg 16, say within a chamber or at the end of 16.

FIG. 2 shows in side elevation a tellurian optoexplo sive system of Y or acute angleconfiguration, i.e., light arm 16a makes an acute angle with respect to l4a(the explosion arm of the system), wherein a is the explosive light source and its ancillary firing means 12a positioned in shaft 14a. 10a is placed at or near the ground surface a. 10a is supported by cradle, support or like means 36, which is destructible upon explosion, and which may be of appropriate material(e.g., metal, wood, plastic) of sheet, coarse screen or mesh or other appropriate structure. As desired, 10a can be positioned above the surface 20a, as for example in a shot tower. Also, as may be desired, member 36 may be dopant(discussed subsequently) which serves to enhance the optical energy output ofthe CX or NX 10a.

' It is seen that FIG. 2 typically depicts a shallow subsurface explosion, a surface explosion or a near-surface explosion, in contrast to the deeper, contained cavityproducing explosion of 10 in FIG. 1. The consequence in FIG. 2 is an explosively-formed crater 38, which follows blast scaling laws known in the art. The fill material 37 is optional, depending upon the modification being utilized. Thus, no fill material 37 may be employed to allow for dissipation of blast energies into the atmosphere(as in the case of CX and so-called clean NX). Or when fill material 37 is employed it may be decouplant substance, as for example heat absorbing material like graphite or ablatives(natural or synthetic, discussed hereinafter), to reduce the the magnitude of seismic signals which may be undesirable for such reasons as target a jitter. When 37 is employed it need not extend to the ground surface 20a, but may be heavily overlaid with rock or the like to minimize surface blow-through of fallout.

Further in FIG. 2, 32a and 34a represent blast and explosion debris,'and reflectable light, respectively. is the frangible, reflective optic aligned to receive 34a and shunt it into the light leg 16a and thence to the irradiable target 30a. 28a is an optional shaft say drifting to the surface 20a, after the manner of 28 in FIG. 1. 18a is the third leg of the bifurcated tunnel system, comprising the shock-sink into which blast and explosion debris and non-reflectable energies pass.

In FIG. 2 it is preferable in the case of highly brisant CX and high blast-giving NX that the angle between 14a and 16a be a severely acute one, to lessen escape of secondary shock and to reduce shock diffraction into 16a, consistent with choice of appropriate tunnel lengths and appropriately-chosen explosive sizes. The same considerations obtain in minimizing abrupt excursions(positive and/or negative) in pressure, also in the shoot-through to 160 of a plasma piston which can occur with over-sized NX charges, which considerations are discussed in some detail hereinafter.

FIG. 3 shows in side elevation or in plan elevation, as may be desired, a closed tellurian optoexplosive system corresponding to a multiple Y-configuration or multiple T-configuration or of other branching or furcation as may be desired, which for purposes of convenience can be designated zig-zag or blind-alley. This system is preferred for high yield, large mass explosions, particularly NX, where multiple FRO passes are desired, and where multiple shock-sinks, 44 and 50 in this instance, are necessary to minimize N-wave pressure variations and plasma piston shoot-through to target 30b. Not shown in this schematic diagram are surface-rising drifts which function as vents to compensate for the explosion dynamics just mentioned. Such vents may be of any appropriate number in communication from the ground surface with leg members 40(firing or explosion leg), 44(first shock-sink leg), 46(first light-leg), 50(second shock-sink leg), and 52(second IightJeg) carrying the optically-coupled target 3012.

In FIG. 3 the CX or NX or the like is detonated via means 12b (firing cable), the explosive being 10b and of symmetric or asymmetric explosion behavior, within the leg 40, to generate optical radiation of reflectable nature 54 together with the much slower velocity, e.g., several Mach or less, blast and explosion debris 32b. Light 54 strikes the first FRO 42 and reflects therefrom into the first light-leg 46 while the blast and debris and the like pass partly or wholly into the shock-sink leg 44; 54 now incidents the second FRO 48 and passes into 52, which is the light-leg or target leg, and thence to the target 30b as beam 54in its second pass, while residual, reflected and/0r diffracted blast originating with ltlb sinks into leg 50 with the destruction of the FRO 48.

Further in FIG. 3 the angular relationship of the various legs of the system may vary with respect to one another, likewise, the tunnel system may or may not be cut parallel or vertical with the ground surface, as may be desired; thus, the various legs may be set in angular rotation with respect to one another. The target 30b may be emplaced within a chamber at the end of leg 52 having an adit for target emplacement and removal.

It is thus apparent that the version shown in FIG. 3 has at least two FRO with corresponding shock-sink legs and light ducts; an appropriate increase in the number of FRO and ancillary legs can be utilized for explosive light production by high yield explosions which incur problems of blast and fireball-derived plasma disposal.

Referring now to FIG. 4. There is shown in side elevation a typical multilegged, tellurian optoexplosive system, which may be closed-loop or open-loop as schematically depicted in the diagram, as desired. In a closed system, e.g., deeply buried, venting adits may or may not be employed. In FIG. 4 is CX or NX or both, with firing cable or like means 12c, positioned in a horizontal shaft, say midway therein, represented by legs 56 and 66. Blast and the like from 100 is shown as 320, with the higher velocity light 64 and 74 striking FRO 58 and 68, and shunting into light legs 62 and 72, which converge upon target 30c. The shock-sink legs for 56 and 66 are shown as 60 and 70, respectively.

Whereas FIG. 4 shows a two-legged(56,66 and 62,72 and 60,70) explosive light generating system, alternatively one or more legs can be added so as to pipe off blast and light from 10c at the level of 56 and 66, to form a juncture therewith at 10c, with corresponding shock-sink legs for each additional explosion leg, and with upwardly target-converging light-legs corresponding to 62 and 72, having suitably mounted and aligned additional FRO means at the Y junction of the tubular arrangement. For example, two additional systems can be 90 each on either side of56 .66, at 10c. This may be said to correspond to a cruciform, spider-legged subterranean structure. In this modification a symmetric explosion-giving explosive can be used or an asymmetric one, e.g., CX which detonates and explodes with the release of light in a cruciform pattern. In the two legged modification shown in FIG. 4 an asymmetric explosion-producing gun-type NX device can be utilized so as to release its energy more or less linearly in opposite directions, i.e., so that the two stronger explosion energy fields are directed into 56 and 66, respectively.

Further in FIG. 4, as desired and according to the application, the target 30c may be mounted within or just at the light exits of 62 and 72, with or without suitable housing. Or the target 30c may be aerial, in which case the angles between 56 and 62, and 66 and 72, are appropriately less acute than shown in FIG. 4. In any event, optical coupling between 100 via FRO 58,68 and 30c is maintained.

Referring now to FIG. 5, depicted as a T-configuration, and in this respect not unlike FIGS. 1 and 2 insofar as the angular relationships of the three legs are concerned. FIG. 5 shows in side elevation and schematic form a tellurian optoexplosive system characterized by multiple FRO and/or non-FRO situated .at say the wall portions of light leg 82.

In FIG. 5 the explosive light source and firing means are d and 12d, respectively. 32d.and 88 designate blast and explosion debris and the like, and reflectable electromagnetic radiation, respectively. 76 is the firing shaft, with 80 the by-pass shock-sink. 78 is a FRO aligned to optically couple light 88 with target 30d via a series of wall or like mounted FRO members 84, which may be any appropriate number and/or which may comprise reflectable lining, as of polished metal, ceramic reflection optic, or the like, at or subset in the wall of leg 82. 86 refers to optional, secondary shocksink drifts when the modification of FRO 84 members are utilized. c refers to the terrain or ground or like surface.

Further in FIG. 5 the target d, while optically coupled via the FRO means and the explosive light source, may be set subsurface, at the surface(as within a housing), or disposed at a distance, e.g., aerially.

Alternatively, in FIG. 5, one of more means 84 are set before one or more adits corresponding to 86 which are in communication with ground surface or the atmosphere 200. In an optoexplosive system which functions under ambient atmospheric conditions said arrangement serves as vent means to minimize target 30d insult by anomalous shock effects, serving to valve and smooth the positive-negative pressure N-wave which may be undesirable when high blast yield CX or NX optoexplosive sources are employed.

It is evident that FIG. 5 may be said to correspond to a hall-of-mirr0rs or kaleidoscope optical element train characterized by at least one FRO 84 when said train is multiple. The optical train comprising a sequence of optically coupled optic elements of a reflective nature 84 may comprise members either of passive or active properties, or may or may not be selectively or prefrentially reflective, diffracting, polarizing or the like, as desired and as detailed subsequently in this disclosure.

Reflective optics 84 in FIG. 5, or their equivalents when means 84 is rigid(e.g., highly reflective casing, coating or liner for 82) can perform as a flux redistributor. Should spatially non-uniform light flux(as from a spherical FRO) enter 82, then the hall-of-mirrors effect obtains between the focal plane and the sample, the emergent light being uniformly distributed over an area equal to the cross-section of the flux redistributor system comprised of 82 and element(s) 84. The efficiency depends upon the reflectivity of the means 84 or their equivalent(as when rigid, in the form of liner) used at the wall of 82. Arc source thermal imaging systems give about 0.5 transmission by a redistributor of specular-reflecting surfaces.

In properly understanding FIG. 6 a few preliminary words of explanation are in order. Thus: immediately after detonation and during the initial phase of an explosion, whether that explosion be CX or NX, the dynamics of the event are substantially independent of the surrounding environment. Upon rupture of the CX or NX device there may be said to be an interaction with the environment comprising a feedback of explosion behavior. For example, an explosion in air at atmospheric pressure involves the interaction of mechanical(e.g., blast/shock) and optical(light) energies. When this atmosphere is absent this interaction, especially that of shock formation which, by definition, involves formation of pressure waves(characterized by pressure-time and velocity parameters), is reduced to a point approaching zero (e.g., in an absolute vacuum the ideal situation would be the complete absence of shock because of the lack of pressurable media by which that shock is formed and transmitted; the ideal situation is never attained for large explosive masses because of explosion debris; pragmatically the situation is closely approached by properly designing-out media which favor blast and shock formation, as will be indicated subsequently).

Whereas the blast/light energies from CX(in the atmosphere or like media) or NX(under anatmospherically provided conditions, e.g., at high altitudes or within evacuated enclosures) may be simplistically stated as essentially a curve of rise-time, peak of variable plateau, and fall-time, for each of the two kinds of energies, the situation characteristic of NX is more complex for gas environments. The latter is developed in FIG. 6.

Further in FIG. 6: Fourier analysis lays the basis for the extraction of a sinusoid(bit or fragment, as herein designated) from from a larger or more complex light pulse. Illustratively, the sinusoid light bit is plucked from the explosion light monopulse or multipulse(bipulse form as depicted in FIG. 6) by a timedlife FRO. By definition a timed-life FRO ceases to perform as a reflective optic at a point in time up to and including shock-impaction upon the FRO. The case of blastdestroyed FRO is set out in the parent disclosure; shock-generated light behind the shock front may or may not have time to undergo the necessary optical transition before FRO failure by mechanical insult or the conversion to destructive thermal energy by blast, depending upon such factors as absorbance, rupture strength or yield point, spallation and like properties of the FRO and the shock flux together with Mach value.

FIG. 6 represents the timed life of a FRO oflife T T, with T the start of the life of that FRO. T and the dashed vertical coordinate at the centrum of the second optical pulse 92 depict the end of the life of the FRO, i.e., the fail-point of the FRO(i.e., failure due to thermal shattering, fusion, vaporization, pyrolysis or burning, sublimation, or the like (note is made of the fact that these and like qualities inherent in the FRO performance are duly set forth in the parent disclosure)). In other words, the T T value and the linearity or non-linearity of FRO response, particularly as T is approached and more energy is deposited within the FRO, is, essentially decided by the thermophysical properties of that member.

FIG. 6 graphs on arbitrary intensity and time coordinates optical(electromagnetic radiation) output vs. time. This graph, called a double-pulse graph in nuclear explosion phenomenalogy, has its coordinates decided by, among other things, the nature of the NX source and the environmental medium, e.g., air at atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressures. As just indicated, the double-pulse graph tends to coalesce into a single pulse depiction as environmental pressure is reduced. Since nuclear explosions in gasified media other than air, e.g., the so-called inert gases(e.g., He, Ne, Ar), chemicallyreactive gases(e.g., H nitrogen oxides(of which there are seven potentially available), CI-I gases of the aliphatic series of single, double and triple bonding), also inorganic and organic vapors(e.g., water, D 0, T 0, Hg, halogens, polycyclic hydrocarbons) are scantly or fully unknown it is necessary for purposes of development of this facet of the present invention to rely upon FIG. 6 graph.

In FIG. 6 there is shown an initial, prompt pulse of electromagnetic radiation 90 created by an NX within the atmosphere or the like, with subsequent drop due to the start of a slower NX device-created fireball or second-pulse 92 characterized as relatively less intense and of greater duration.

Further in FIG. 6 T T illustratively depicts the pick-off of sinusoid light bits ranging downward from the coupling of blast with the FRO. Thus: the vertical dashed line ofT can represent the arrival of the shock energy, in which instance the FRO is said to be mechanically destroyed(directed or indirectly, as just indicated), or, below this point in time, for example, only the prompt pulse 90 may be reflected; or, only the leading edge to centrum of 90 may be reflected; or, T may be set out on the trailing edge of 92 so that the mass of hot gases in the region behind the radiation front, the isothermal sphere of the NX-type explosive light source, is advantageously utilized; or, the like.

The large family of variegated timed-life FRO means is discussed in more detail hereinafter. At this point suffice to state that an FRO can be designed to fail, i.e., possess a definite lifetime, because of its passive thermophysical nature, but also because of active, non-CX or non-NX destruct-energy inputs. For example, the FRO can comprise high detonation rate or velocity(e.g., say of the order of 8000 meters/sec) chemical explosive, so as to exhibit self-destruct-uponcommand(as by electric firing). From FIG. 6 it is thus evident that an object and feature of this invention is an explosive light source which need not rely upon light-trailing shock or blast to chop ,off light reflection ofa FRO.

Referring to FIG. 7 there is shown in side elevation a subterranean 20c, portion of a typical tellurian optoexplosive system of say T-butt configuration wherein inertial or gravity (falling, semi-implled fall, sliding or the like) is operant upon a piston member 94. In FIG. 7 the T-butt portion is formed as secondary extensions conjoining the explosion leg or chamber 104, as described in previous drawings. In apposition to(to form the arms of a T) 104, at say or other appropriate angle, and forming secondary or branching legs are upper and lower drifts 96 and 102, respectively. An inertial load or gravity piston of freely fallable or slidable nature, 94, is suspended within 96 by lug, cable, beam or like means 98. Movable piston 94 is characterized as explosively detachable or impelled by explosive means carried in 98. Thus 98 preferably includes electroexplosive devices, EEDs, as for example a series of explosive lugs, bolts or guillotines. A suitable firing cable 100 circuits 98. Optionally, means 98 may carry a bursting charge which serves to assure detachment of 94 and provide an initial impelling force.

Mounted say on the face of 94 is CX or NX 10s with its firing means 12e. 102 is so positioned that preferably upon the initial phase of explosion it sends light 106 through leg 104 to the FRO.

Depending upon the explosion dynamics of (IX or NX 10c, and say substantially at the time of firing of 1(le(or shortly before or shortly thereafter, depending upon the parameters involved, e.g., the mass and fall rate of 94, and the relative positioning of 10:2 and 94, as well as the length of shaft 96, and the like, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art) means 100 is fired to explode 98 and release 94. Member 94 falls into sump, pit, tubular vault or the like leg 102, tamping or valving off within 102 the partly developed explosion of l0e, in essence catching the explosion at a point in its formative stage and diverting the developing and immature explosion away from an FRO optical coupling arrangement.

Typically in FIG. 7 the piston 94 falls freely once detached from means 98 into leg 102, as when a 90 angularity of involved between 104, 96 and 102', or, 94 can be adapted to slide from 96 into 102 when the two said legs are shafted at angles off 90, as may be desired. Concurrently 94 should maintain structural integrity until it enters and plugs 102, at which time the residuum of the explosion of 10a becomes a contained or semi-contained explosion.

Further in FIG. 7 94 is typically a cylindrical mass, as for example a cylindrical container of high strength steel or refractory ceramic having a face of explosionresistant quality and say interiorly strutted construction to maintain geometric integrity during its force history. Such a piston container is expediently loaded after placement with high density material, e.g., lead or other heavy metals, rock, or a combination of the two. Alternatively, dense core material of diameter less than 96 may be employed. Optionally, a semiprotective sandwich of substance of high thermal energy absorption and low thermal energy conductivity may be emplaced between 10c and the face of 94, as for example a decouplant or inorganic ablative.

Whereas in FIG. 7 the CX or NX We may be mounted on the face or bottom of 94, an alternate ensemble is the positioning of 10s on the back wall of the T-configuration(96 102) in line with the axis of 104, with 94 set at a distance within 96 above le. This arrangement may be preferred when T T' sinusoid fragments(cf. FIG. 6) are desired when, say, e, is low order detonation or when the environment is anatmospheric. In terms of explosion behavior 10c may be symmetric or asymmetric, as may be desired, as for example in the latter instance to minimize burst force which opposes the fall of 94, as well as to optimize light input 106 into tunnel leg 104.

Commensurate with good mining engineering practice as applied to the present invention drifts 96 and 102 in FIG. 7 (the same obtains for FIG. 8, below) should have substantially smooth walls. The walls can be lapped to remove irregularities and surface projections, flame-sprayed ceramic coating in whole or in part, provided with cemented metal, metal carbide, metal nitride or ceramic tile in tubular lining form, metal or graphite bar slideays, or the like. Moreover, the face of member 94 may be other than plane with rounded or champfered edges, as for example 94 may have a conical nose(which may or may not be truncated) after the fashion of projectile or missile shaping, with or without heat-shielding media known in the art.

Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the modification shown in FIG. 7 is more suited for relatively small yield 102 energy sources characterized as of low brisancy and low detonation rates with the consequently slower developing fireball (as in NX) or flashbody(as in CX).

In FIG. 8 there is set out in side elevation the subterranean f elbow-butt end modification of the explosion leg 117. In apposition at say 90 or other appropriate angle and conjoining 117 are secondary legs or drifts 110 and 120. Emplaced say at the crotch of 110, 120 and 117 and axially with 117 to provide light energy 118(which couples with the PRO) is CX or NX source 10fand its ancillary firing umbilical 12f.

As desired, the back wall delineated by 110 and 120 may comprise a concavity 122. For example, 122 may have a radius of curvature such that should it be a mirror lens the focal point coincides with the FRO placed on down in 117; or, the energy cone generated by 122 may truncate with an area approximating the area of the FRO. 122, in such a modification, may be lined with reflective, temperature-resistent ceramic (e.g., anatase or MgO based material); or, the lining of 122 may be of metal which upon CX or NX radiant energy deposition behaves as a dopant to enhance light generation.

Further in FIG. 8 there is positioned in leg or chamber 110 an asymmetric explosive charge 108. This may be a directed-energy cylindrical CX of high brisancy or, preferably, a shaped or hollow charge(also variously known as Munroe, Neumann, and Stettbacher explosive charges, depending upon the variant-of which there are many known in the CX art in particular).

As schematically shown in FIG. 8 the asymmetric or shaped charge ensemble includes say a cylindrical mass of bursting CX 108 having a conical or like face concavity usually provided with a metal, glass, ceramic or other liner 112. At the apex of the cone (or set out therefrom by support-extension means, as desired) there may be a primer-detonator 114 in axial flash-tube communication with the seat of the charge 108 which,

in turn, carries a detonator-booster (not shown) in circuit with a suitable firing line 116. Optionally, member 114 may be thermally sensitive so as to be detonated by the radiant flash of 10f, with or without explosive delay element, eliminating the need for 116 and the synchronization which may be required with the firing of 10f, as explained for FIG. 7. Simpler as well as more sophisticated shaped charge ensembles are well known in the explosives art and need not be detailed at this point.

Further in FIG. 8, upon firing 10f with the simultaneous or time-lapse actuation of 108 there issues from 108 an explosive jet of exceedingly high velocity and force. This acts in the manner of a plasmoid piston first to constrain and then to force the explosion developing out of 10f into vault 120. The interception and cut-off is decided by the hollow charge explosion velocity and pressure, through time, relative to the opposing explosive forces of the CX or NX 10f.

The interaction of the two aforementioned explosions and the blocking and displacement of the 10f explosion in a portion of its formative stages by the more powerful directed-energy explosion of 108 poses problems for solution of rather formidable mathematical complexity. These appear to be reducible by computer using hydrodynamic analogy and similitude. Otherwise, in the simpler optoexplosive systems, e.g., the smaller versions of non-NX variety, empirical or modeling approaches can be utilized to advantage.

GEOENGINEERING SYSTEMS DESIGN The tellurian medium(e.g., 20, 20a, and 20c in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4) may be of any appropriate solid. For example, alluvium, tuff, tuff/alluvium, granite, dolomite, rock salt, basalt or other igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock or combinations thereof, porose, vesicular or not. The tunnel system may be disposed such that one or more of its legs intersect a stratum, fault or geocline, such that two or more rock types or geologic formations are included for purposes of seismic refraction away from the target and/or FRO; or for density choice so as to enhance lithostatic pressure (or the converse, to provide elastic dissipation of explosion energy); or for reasons of economy and ease of engineering operations.

Included as tellurian media are such miscellaneous environments as those comprising coal and coaliferous rock, ice and highly compacted snow, and permafrost. The latter are of especial interest in connection with optoexplosive light generators which must be remotely located because of high yield explosive sources. Glacial, berg or other high density ice and permafrost are of interest from a workability standpoint, also because of optical properties(e.g., the increased reflectivity of smooth ice on shaft walls). Thus, steam-smoothed ice may have optical dopant characteristics when frozen-in situ slurries of water and metal or other dopant admixtures have been applied to the wall surface.

Coal, on the other hand, behaves as a thermal energy absorbent and a decouplant, as in an explosion chamber sculpted out of a thick coal seam. Likewise, vent drifts rising to the surface and passing through coal perform in a similar manner, serving to take up the energy of and therefore contribute to the degeneration of explosion plasma.

The systems engineering of an optoexplosive generator, especially that disposing to large yield CX and NX light sources, is particularly attractive in the case of tellurian media including frozen water. Permafrost may be taken as an example of such a medium: RJE. Brown(The Polar Record, 13(87), 741-751(l967)) details information about perennially frozen ground. Canada and the USSR together possess most of the territory in the Northern Hemisphere underlain by permafrost. Permafrost varies in thickness from a few centimeters at the southern limit to several hundred meters at the boundary of the continuous zone, which is approximately 60 to l meters in Canada and 250 to 300 meters in Siberia.

Unfrozen layers-called taliks-are of interest in-the systems design of an optoexplosive light generator. Taliks may occur between layers of permafrost and, therefore, from the standpoint of mining engineering workability(tunneling, shafting, or the like) are of considerable potential service-ability. The depth to the permafrost table is widely variable, ranging between about 0.5 and-several meters. The active layer, which freezes in winter andthaws in summer, does not always extend to the permafrost table.

In the continuous zone, permafrost occurs everywhere beneath the ground surface(e.g., 200 in FIG. 4, and 20c in FIG. 5, and so forth in the accompanying drawings). In Canada it varies from about 60 to lOO meters in the southern zone, to thicknesses between approximately 400 to 500 meters in the Arctic. There are numerous permafrost features, and in addition to taliks mention should be made of thermokarst associated with the melting of ground ice. Certain of the near-polar Arctic and Antarctic areas exhibit exploitable peculiarities involving the change-of-state of water(i.e., to-and-fro of solid and liquid water).

This is a subject, like that of mining and mining engineering, of long history and extensive documentation. Reference is made to: Marie Tremaine(ed.), Arctic Bibliography, -Arctic Institute of North America, volumes 1 to 7, Washington, DC, US. Government Printing Office, l9 53l957, which seven volumes comprise an alphabetical arrangement by author of 43,464 titles, annotated; also, to VJ. Creasi, Arctic Bibliography, US. Weather Bureau, Washington, DC, 61.

pp., CFSTI(AD 666,894)l968.

From the standpoint of geophysical modeling, thermodynamic treatment, and physicochemical characteristics, Iwould here point to permafrost as rather a unique medium. Simplistically, it can be viewed as a heterogeneous solid composed of a solid (earth) and-a solified liquid(ice), the behaviors of each component as well as the composite being different for different kinetic and electromagnetic input energies. The ice, being vaporizable, acts to take up transfer-energy communicated to it by the more absorptive solid component while, at the same time, may be considered to have the qualities of a decouplant. Concurrently, of course, iced surfaces of shaft and tunnel walls behave as reflecting agents. Depending upon the density of the permafrost and the solidzice ratio, and taking into consideration sorptivity(as from voids or structural breaks), this tellurian medium should behave to absorb explosion debris and radioactive particulates.

The making of holes for an optoexplosive system is made by any of the conventional tools and techniques, consistent with economic factors. There are four general drilling methods which can be used for boring holes up to 8 feet in diameter: (a) churn drilling, (b) auger drilling, (c) core drilling, and (d) rotary drilling. These not be described in detail here, for they are well known in the art, but suffice to say that by means of rotary drilling holes over 5 feet in diameter to depths of upwards of 3000 feet can be made. As dictated by the medium the hole may or may not be cased. Calyx or large bore core drilling enables hole making in larger diameters, usually with the recovery of a consolidated core. Properly trimmed and cased(and/or faced, as previously described) such a core can be employed as member 94in FIG. 7, as desired.

Means other than drilling can be used for tunneling at angles abruptly off the vertical. Hard rock nd coal mining techniques using explosives, for example, as well as aquifer and railroad tunnel methods, can be taken advantage of. These essentially non-drilling means are utilized in instances where a shaft of other than circular section is desired.

Full or partial casing of the tunnels may or may not be used, consistent with geologic considerations and the performance desired from the optoexplosive system. Timbering and posting and their equivalents, in accordance with usual mining methods used for lode formations having caving tendencies, can be employed.

Multiply timbered, strutted, posted or equivalent members within a tunnel(e.g., 14 in FIG. 1; 14a in FIG. 2; 40, 46 and/or 52 in FIG. 3; 56 and 66, and/or 62 and/or 72 in FIG. 4; 76 and/or 82 in FIG. 5) are of interest in this invention with respect to the reduction or diversion away from a target of anomalous, secondary, diffracted shock and blast, i.e., utilization of tunnel cross-member equivalents, for CX and mathematical modeling test are reported in the literature available to the artizan (OPERATION DISTANT PLAIN). Evidently, however, the optical parameters of interest in this invention were not monitored in the DISTANT PLAIN series.

The tunnels, shafts, adits, boreholes, ducts, and the like conduit members variously and interchangeably designated herein in accordance with common naming practices, i.e., the one or more of the legs forming the furcated light-blast shunting system hereof, may be conveniently classed as (a) natural and (b) man-made.

The man-made chambers and conduits are the preferred of the two classes, for obvious reasons. However, I point out that for reasons of economy, feasibility workup and prototype testing, and remoteness, and the like, that certain natural cavernous and conduitiferous structures can be advantageously employed. For example, natural caves to provide the shot vault and explosion leg member 14 of FIG. 1, say suitably engineered at or near its orifice to permit the boring of, or construction of, the necessary other legs 16 and 18, leg 16 of which in FIG. 1 may of course correspond to the housed or unhoused target 30 set out at or above the ground surface 20, with a suitable tricoupled FRO 26. Of interest for low order detonation optoexplosive sources, in this connection, is also the use of the naturally formed arched rock or ice structure, as may be desired.

lllustratively, I prefer a tubate, furcated system, (b) supra, comprising at suitable burial depth at least an explosion chamber and explosion leg of any convenient or appropriate attitude with respect to surface terrain. The walls of the tubate system may be partially or wholly: (a) trimmed, lapped, smoothed or the like; (b) cased or lined; and/or provided with wall projecting means characterized as not reducing the optical energy flow below a usable value but, concurrently, operant as say anechoic analogs(anablastic means") which serve to reflect and diffract blast and plasma back into the leg of origin, i.e., away from the direction of the FRO, or at least set up turbulence and eddying of the non-optical forms of energy. Means (C) is designed in accordance with fluid, blast and like mechanics, which aspect of the subject need not be detailed here.

Cased or lined shafts, (b) supra, serve in the usual mechanical reinforcing capacity to prevent cave-in; to reflect light when polished or possessing reflective characteristics; to ablate when it is desired to reduce temperature(more feasible in small CX powered systems) and perhaps at the same time to assist in the degeneration of flame or plasma; to behave as an incandescent or color temperature-increasing optical dopant; and the like. Shaft liners and wall projecting means can be employed cooperantly.

Importantly, shafts which are eased, lined, walled, coated or otherwise sealed function to:

a. maintain reduced pressure within part or all of the system;

b. maintain increased pressure within part or all of the system;

c. maintain a bottling integrity when part or all of the system is loaded with gas other than air at say atmospheric pressure.

Situations (a) and (b), supra, for example, may involve pressure differentials among the various legs, with frangible or rupturable sealing membranes or diaphgrams to assure compartmentalization. These are of suitable materials, physically and optically. The atmosphere within a system may be air, pressurized air, tenuous air, or, say the so-called inert gases(e.g., He, Ar, Ne, Kr), as well as nitrogen, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen or other gaseous media, not excludingthe vapors of inorganic, metalsorganic and organic substances chosen because of physicochemical and spectral properties.

Sealed shafts and tunnels are alsodesirable when th rock or other tellurian medium contains water, the steam from which in the absence of venting or like measures may insult the target and instrumentation which may be placed therein.

It is established that NX energy conversion to optical energy with concurrent reduction in shock and blast increases with decreasing pressure. For example, when the pressure of the environmental atmosphere of an NX is taken down to about 9 mm Hg the optical energy output approaches 0.8. Thus in FIG. 6 the bipulse, 90 and 92, of an NX source would tend to coalesce into a monopulse as the pressure is reduced. The consequence, as depicted in FIG. 6, is that the integrated 'NX output energy is enhanced, and the 30 milliseconds The cross-sectional profile of the shafts, tunnels and the like is usually circular(as when drilled). However, these may be arched, ovoid, polygonal(square, rectangular, triangular, and so forth), as may be desired. The face or aperture of the various legs may differ from one another. The side-elevation profile, likewise, may vary greatly, as has been described hereinbefore, and as is set out subsequently as regards pressure, plasma and like control.

The cross-sectional profile of the light leg, e.g., 16 of FIG. 1, is important for the production of what I term a shaped light beam. In the special case of nuclear explosive-derived light I employ the term shaped atomic light"(SAL).

As generally defined here a shaped optical beam or a SAL is a beam of light characterized by a face contour matching or adapted to match optimum light energy injection into a target. Should the target be rectangular, then the beam is shaped rectangular; should the target be ovoid, then the beam is shaped ovoid; should the target be of irregular profile, then the beam is shaped to a corresponding irregular profile. While this is somewhat of a simplified approach to the subject, it nonetheless serves to point up beam-target matching, other things being equal; also, target irradiation where only a part of the target is to be exposed. By use of the expression simplified approach- I do not take into consideration such parameters as the inverse square law, target distance, and the like, all of which obviously enter the picture.

In addition to shaping the exit portal of the light leg, e.g., 82 in FIG. 5, and 62 and 72 in FIG. 4, a light-shaping member or aperture stop(or contrastop) of any necessary or desired opening configuration can also be used, which modification is preferable for a sequence of changes. Such a member may be a suitably thick and strong slab of refractory rock, metal or ceramic.

The cross-sectional or face area(throat or' aperture,

as variously termed by the different disciplines involved) of the various legs, particularly the light leg(e.g., 16 in FIG. 1 and 16a in FIG. 2), may range from several square feet to severalhundred square feet, or more(cf. the discussion given subsequently of venturi, and converging and diverging nozzle" (especially light leg geometries). This is usually decided by the size, type and configuration of the optoexplosive system taken together with the kind and yield of explosive light source.

An abandoned railroad tunnel, of which there are several hundred in the United States, has a face area of upwards of 150 to 180 square feet. The thousands of abandoned or worked-out lode or other hard rock mine tunnels and shafts range in face area anywhere between about 25 and I00 square feet. These are examples of ready-made tellurian system components which, in addition to their usual remoteness and virtual lack of cost, can be utilized for experimental, feasibility and prototype testing.

Likewise, extant in the Montana-Nebraska area are some 150 abandoned missile silos which measure feet in depth and have a face area of approximately to square feet. Missile silos and vertical mine shafts are adapted to a simplistic modification of this invention. Namely, they comprise the light of explosion leg loaded at or near the bottom with a large mass of slow- 19 firing, low-order detonating optoexplosive composition.

At the surface exit of such a tunnel there is positioned the FRO at an appropriate optical coupling angle, say 45, so as to direct reflected light to a target housed an appropriate distance away on the surface of the ground. The FRO may be mounted in a short-leg tower or emplaced by other suitable structure. While this basic form of the invention is not depicted in the drawings, I do not exclude it from the scope of the present invention. One advantage of this modification, as will be readily appreciated by those in the art, is that complex venting(of gas and plasma) means are not required, for there may be a plasma piston/shoothrough and a subsequent absorption by the atmospheric overburden without target insult. Such an optoexplosive system is well adapted for CX powered explosive sources, less so for NX because of release of radioactive debris.

The explosion or firing portion of the leg(e.g., means in leg 14 of FIG. 1) may be enlarged into a suitably sized room or vault. Decoupling may or may not be employed, as desired. The crotch or conjoined leg portion(e.g., at 26 in FIG. 1) may be enlarged into an FRO chamber which is square, rectangular, spheroid or bulbous, or of other convenient volume geometryparticularly when FRO means of special sizes and contours are used.

Furthermore, none of the legs of the optoexplosive clean light generating system need be of the diameter, face area, or sectional geometry as the other legs. Thus it may be desirable in the case of high yield(brisant or blast-wise) explosions to have a light leg, e.g., 16a in FIG. 2, but a few tenths the face area of either 14a or 18a of FIG, 2. This, among other things, is to allow for the very rapid fluid pressure differentials which may develop. This facet of the subject is detailed hereinafter.

The length of the legs of the furcated system is varied according to CX or NX yield and the design of the system. Usually the system will have a light leg(e.g., 82 in FIG. 5, and properly overburden-compensated to provide lithstatic constraint 62 and 72 of FIG. 4, and so forth) at the least the burial depth of the explosive light source in the case of a T-conflguration(as in the cases of FIG. 1 and FIG. 5), and greater should the light leg(s) join into the FRO crotch at a non-90 angle(as in the cases of FIG. 3, FIG. 2, also FIG. 4). In the more complexly tunneled and shafted systems the lengths are accordingly greater. Likewise, in the interrupted optical explosion versions like FIG. 7 and FIG. 8, the leg lengths can be foreshortened, particularly when there is a deep sump(e.g., 102 in FIG. 7, and 120 in FIG. 8).

For NX light generators the minimum leg lengths can be approximated on the basis of information extant on the damage to mine workings. Thus: a l KT NX shot in granitic rock causes only minor damage and offset at approximately 400 feet; a 2 KT at about 600 feet; a 5 KT at about I000 feet; and a 20 KT at about 2000 feet. I believe that the confidence level decreases with yield, so a safety factor should be built into the design.

The RAINIER shot( I .7 KT) conducted at about 900 foot burial, and certain other NX underground shots since September of I957 are frequently employed to get data for scaling laws. Since in the present improvelittle, if any, effect on the size of the cavity produced.

The limiting parameters are device yield, the gasproducing constituents of the rock such as water, the depth at which the device is exploded, the average density of the overburden and the concomitant lithostatic pressure, venting and decoupling, and the like. However, for purposes of elucidation and for those in the art the following is of interest as it may apply to this facet of the present invention.

First, the equations of state of geologic materials are of fundamental importance in determining response to high yield explosions, particularly NX explosions. The equations of state derive, from geophysical and laboratory measurements of physicochemical properties, also from theoretical calculations of the high pressure and high temperature conditions otherwise not feasible for measurement. Physical measurements of ground motion generated by explosions are used together with equations of state, chemical and thermodynamic theory, and the laws of continuum mechanics are employed to develop mathematical models for the predic tion of explosion phenomena.

Nuclear engineering and excavation information like that growing out of Project PLOWSHARE experiments very largely appears to fall into two classes: (a) contained underground explosions, and (b) cratering. Scaling laws for both of these are available. In the case of (b), cratering, the interest would be secondary in that nuclear cratering is not employed in the present invention except in special optoexplosive systems such as that depicted in-FIG. 2 or in near-surface bursts communicating their energies to the light leg l4a(having an open surface face) of FIG. 2.

For subterranean, contained nuclear explosions the usual law of scaling cavity radii is best modified for pur' poses of this improvement, as follows:

where R cavity radius in meters W yield in kilotons(l KT the release of 10 calories or 4.2 l0 ergs) p overburden average density in grams per cubic centimeter h burial depth in meters C an empirically-derived constant generally ranging between 60 and for available tests results n approximately 0.33

m approximately 0.25

k an empirically-derived ,venting factor, usually a fraction of 1, determined largely by W taken together with the configuration of the optoexplosive system viewed in terms of fluid mechanics or hydrodynamic analogy; in a sense, k can be regarded as that portion which departs from the ideal situation of a fully contained, non-vented explosion, e.g., when the shallow, subsurface cratering type of vented or semi-vented configuration is approached k an optional, empirically-derived(in certain instances, e.g., those involving directed energy or highly asymmetric CX r NX sources, and complex optoexplosive systems of large and/or loaded firing chambers with or without multiducted vents) thermophysical factor generally of value less than I, which expresses the explosive energy taken up by decoupling mechanisms. k can enter the afore-mentioned equation when (a) the explosion chamber is large, e.g., due to lithoelasticity and like effects the seismic effect of a nuclear explosion can be reduced to an apparent nuclear explosion of ca. magnitude; (b) there is emplaced cooperantly with the NX a decouplant agent or structure (blast and/or optical, depending upon the nature of the decouplant); and (c) sundry parameter interactions, as for example k as just mentioned, the pressure P within the system and the nature of the radiative and collisional processes which make or break the local thermodynamic processes and their equilibrium of the P-medium loading the optoexplosive system; and the like.

In contemporary nuclear engineering directed to non-cratering results it is usually desired to prevent dynamic venting. This is done by NX burial equal to the anticipated chimney height of the cavity, while providing a 300 to 500 foot bufferof overburden. This can be used for approximating minimum burial depths of the explosive source, assuming the absence of vents engineered into the optoexplosive system. Thus, in the HARDI-IAT event of 1962 a 5 KT NX shot in granodiorite, at burial depth 939 feet, produced a cavity 63 feet in radius and a rubble chimney extending 281 feet above shot point.

In this invention vent adits and shafts function to relieve the system of blast and plasma, to valve-off or contain reactive or radioactive gases and debris. These vents may be surface exiting or, say in the case of high levels of radioactivity, are of a contained, dead-end kind. The primary function of'vents and venting is to prevent non-wanted energies from getting into the light leg of the system and thence to the target.

For the aid of those skilled in the art and of interest in this connection is the HARDTACK series of five NX shots during October of 1958, as follows:

Event Depth KT Yield TAMALPAIS 330 feet 0072 EVANS 840 feet 0.055 NEPTUNE 99 feet 0.090

RAINIER 790 feet 1.7

LOGAN 835 feet 5.0

BLANCA 840 feet 19.0

" The RAINIER shot is extensively used for the derivation of various scaling laws, including fully contained NX explosions, and is referred to herein for various parameters.

Otherwise, in the absence of extensive venting, decoupling, and use of multilegged means it is preferable to design and build a system very conservatively, say downwards by a factor of at least I00 per cent. A rule of thumb basis value, as indicated, from which minimum leg length(s) may be determined is the burial depth of upwards of several multiples.

The extensive literature on the PLOWSHARE program which is not practicable to cite in detail here(however, see Carl R. Gerber and Hugh E. Voress, A Selected, Annotated Bibliography of the Civil, Industrial, and Scientific Uses for Nuclear Explosives, U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, Division of Technical Information, TID3522(rev. 8 May I966; Proceedings of the Third Plowshare Symposium: Engineering with Nuclear Explosives, US Atomic Energy Commission, TID-7695, I964; The Effects of Nuclear Weapons, US. Atomic Energy Commission, I962 and I964 edns.; Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Explosives Plowshare, Hearing Before the Joint Committee on Atomic Energy(Congress of the United States), First Session on Peaceful Applications of Nuclear Explosives-Plowshare, Jan. 5, 1965; and, especially for the artizen, the bibliographies in the aforementioned references including the extensive publications of the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory, University of California (Livermore) should be referred to for'specifics).

Particularly as regards high yield optoexplosive systems the methods and means by which prevention or control of fluid excursions(gas and plasma) are attained may be conveniently, though somewhat arbitrarily, summarized and reiterated singly or in combination, as follows:

a. venting, as described herein, including ducts which originate at the shot point and shown along the explosion leg(e.g., 14 in FIG. 1, 40 in FIG. 3) arcing out say laterally from (and/or below) the explosion leg and around the FRO-carrying crotch portion so as to by-pass same, and feeding into the shock-sink leg(e.g., 18in FIG. 1, 44 and/or in FIG. 3) behind the emplaced FRO. Since the direction of flow is changed, work is done by the fluid and the total fluid energy decreases, so the laws of branching ducts and bends are appropriately taken advantage of;

. venting by dilation or contraction, as for example contouring light leg 16 of FIG. 1 in conical, longitudinally-sectioned cone, or funnel geometry, with the apex or smaller portion of the cone joining in at the FRO portion; likewise, the shock-sink leg may be of conical or like diverging geometry. The result is that flow from the smaller explosion leg 14 of FIG. 1 into either or both of the larger legs 16 and/or 18 is accompanied by an increase in static pressure due to the decrease in velocity of fluid; the total energy of the system is decreased due to turbulence which takes place downstream from the crotch interface. I prefer that condition known as sudden enlargement so that head losses will be quickly and abruptly increased;

c. venting may be said to include burial at depths where the lithstatic pressure fails to contain the explosion and surface breakthrough occurs, as described herein;

. venturi configuration of the system(cf. parent disclosure), wherein for example the explosion leg(e.g., 14 of FIG. 1) converges into a section coupled to the crotch, to form a throat, and a shock-sink leg diffuser(e.g., 18 of FIG. 1). Typically the throat diameter is about one-fourth to one-half the inlet duct diameter; for flow in one direction(as into the shock-sink), the included angle of the convergent inlet cone should approximate 20 to 22, with the included angle of the diffuser cone approximating to Turbulence can be designed into the venturi configuration by making cone angle and/or the diffuser angle overly large, which is frequently desirable when high Mach fluid of explosion origin is to be degenerated(i.e., when large kinetic energies are to be dissipated as thermal energies in the shocksink).

e. anablastic"(anechoic analog) wall projections within the explosion leg and/or shock-sink leg, as described, to enhance fluid power drop by wallfriction type and similar mechanisms;

f. ablatives within the explosion leg and/or shocksink leg, as described, and which may comprise naturally ablating tellurian material(silica, feldspar, dolomite) or those incorporated in the form of slowly disintegrating anablastic means, wall liners, casings, and the like; impelled 7, employed g. droppable or impelled valving systems such as set out in FIG. 7, employed singly or in plurality along the explosion leg 104;

h. directed-energy explosions such as set out in FIG. 8, employed singly or multiply along the explosion leg 118;

i. choice of proper explosive charge sizes consistent with tunnel lengths;

j. use of asymmetric hereinafter;

k. optoexplosive system design incorporating fluidics principles, including series orifices(cf. (b) and (d) supra), the subject of a large literature available to the artizan;

l. systems design in which the different legs are in different attitudes with respect to each other, i.e., spatially rotated and not in the same plane;

m. liberal employment of zig-zag, blind-alley and comparable configurations, like that depicted in FIG. 3;

n. and the like.

FRANGIBLE REFLECTIVE OPTICS The frangible, reflective optic( FRO) is an especially important element in this invention. A large number and wide variety of FRO means can be designed into the system. The types and kinds of optical performance embrace much latitude, corresponding to the many and diversified attributes of the FRO, comprising what I believe to be a new and unique family of optical devices.

For purposes of orientation the parent disclosure, Ser. No. 407,461, includes the following statement:

By frangible optic I mean a member which, upon being struck by the light energy from the explodable light source routes that light energy as light freed of shock and like non-optical forms of energy into the light leg and thence into the irradiable target.

the term frangible will be equivalent to breakable," destructible, burnable," sublimable, vaporizable, and the like. The reason for this is that the frangible optic element. e.g., mirror, can have qualities other than simple mechanical frangibility or breakability. Thus, the mirror can be simultaneously reflective for say the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum and absorptive for the infrared, the

explosions, considered latter causing the sublimation, burning, vaporization or the like of the mirror member. Although the two radiations have the same velocity, reflection occurs first with a time constant of the order of 10" second or less, whereas burning, sublimation, ablative and like mechanisms take longer, e.g., greater by several or more orders of magnitude, because heat transfer is slower and change of state processes are slower; pure and simple reflection, for example, involves no change of state, whereas absorbed energy requires time to manifest itself as change of state, e.g., to vapor, reaction products, sublimone, or pyrofragments."

This of course means that the FRO as originally set out includes varieties which are other than simple blastbreakable and, by the same token, the operating principle of my explosive light generator may be other than that of simple light reflection-shock destruction sequence. A, pointed out, the reflection time is of the order of 10 second, which changes of state or, at the least the cessation of functioning as an FRO, several or more orders of magnitude less; the best values I have been able to obtain for reflection time is 1.2 femtosecond for the widely used reflectant aluminum, obtained by Drude formulas.

Herein I refine and amplify the nature and characteristics of the FRO as a class of optics. Several working categories are convenient(albeit occasionally overlapping), for the one-shot or multiple-feed FRO which, in turn, may be fed into the optoexplosive system rotationally or translationally (preferred in this improvement), as originally disclosed, as follows:

A. Cross-section Geometry: The FRO is usually circular or a roundel corresponding to the sectional profile of the system, or, of such suitable geometry as to adapt to emplacement at the conjoining portion.

B. Optical(surface) Geometry: A variety of choices are available, as for example:

i. plane surface(e.g., mirror);

ii. curved surface(e.g., concave or convex mirrorlens);

iii. other(e.g., fresnel mirror,.parallel or circularly ruled, reflection grating).

C. Physical: This category includes, for example:

a. rigid FRO; b. elastic or deformable FRO.

D. Thermophysical: FRO means responsive to absorbed light with cessation of performance as a reflective optic, including as previously mentioned:

l. burnable;

2. vaporizable;

3. sublimable;

4. fusible;

5. other.

. Optical Configuration: For example:

x. simple optic(e.g., plane or spherical mirror);

y. compound optic(e.g., active or passive optical medium(cf. below) backed by reflective member, or a stack or sandwich of materials of different optical characteristics backed by reflectant; may be plane, spherical or other surface or interface geometry);

2. bulk"(by this designation I means a volume of optical material which need not be angularly positioned or of substantially slab or sheet form(e.g., 78 in FIG. and one or more elements 84 in the same figure); thus, a volume or bulk FRO can be a block of lasing material(reflectively backed in the direction of the shock-sink) of the solid or liquid kind, which modification is described in detail hereinafter.

F. Passive and Active FRO: I distinguish the two classes as follows:

I. Passive(defined as an FRO which performs by virtue of the explosively-generated optical radiation, and is independent of other energy input), e.g., simple mirror FRO;

II. Active(deflned as an FRO which performs by virtue of the explosively-generated optical radiation, concurrently being dependent upon an energy input from a secondary source which confers upon the FRO particular mechanical, thermophysical, optical or like characteristics which alter its response to the explosion light and, hence, alter the reflected explosion light), e.g., explosive mirror or self-destruct optic, hereinafter described.

The overlapping of the various classes of FRO means is most evident when the distinction between burnable, fusible, vaporizable and sublimable is attempted. As purely working distinctions of convenience, each is more properly defined within the frame of explosion light energy input, and whether the thermophysical changes-of-state or the thermochemical changes(molecular or the like) result from absorbed optical energy or from shock and blast kinetics.

The aforementioned classification is emphasized as an arbitrary one, aimed to aid the artizan by providing convenient working categories; and, at thesame time, illustrative of the actual and potential scope of the new large class of FRO. Additionally, while examples of the simpler FRO elements are set out in the parent disclosure, e.g., plane and spherical mirrors and gratings, it is desirable to give further examples of FRO, especially those of the more complex and sophisticated variety and/or those which embrace unusual or little-worked portions of the optical spectrum. The following are by no means exhaustive of the family and its species.

The materials from which an FRO is constructed are usually solid. However, in unusual or specialty optoexplosive systems FRO members including fluids can be employed. For example, a sheet of reflective liquid,

e.g., molten metal alloys of low fusibilities can be injected by suitable nozzle means, as for example via duct 28, to form the member 26, the angle being an appropriate one as long as optical coupling is maintained, in FIG. 1. Such modifications are the less preferable of 'the other more direct and easily reduced to practice forms of this invention.

The FRO means need not fit snugly or be neatly seated into position or have the same cross-sectional shape as the leg-conjoined or crotch portion of the system, e.g., as might be the case of an ovoid 26 FRO or a roundel(with ovoid frame) in FIG. 1. Thus, the FRO may not be of the same cross-sectional geometry as the leg(s) of the system, e.g., a polygon may be emplaced within a circular leg. The space open around a non-fit arrangement enables better sinking ofthe shock in high yield optoexplosions, also a more effective disposition of the FRO into the shock-sink.

Likewise, the FRO may be perforated or it may be in the form of a small-hole annulus, plane or curved in surface.

In special applications, e.g., shaped pulse production by the FRO, a train of FRO members can be employed, the hole member(disk) being at first offset(t0wards the explosion leg) followed by a second FRO annulus, and then by a larger-diameter third annulus, and so on, each to reflect and undergo destruction in sequence, starting with the center disk member. Each of the FRO elements in such a train may be of different substances so as to provide different fail characteristics and different reflection spectra.

When it is desired to linearly or circularly or otherwise vary the flux pattern across the face of the reflected light beam, several techniques can be advantageous. The FRO may be a composite of individuals of varying reflectances in mosaic or other surface pattern to correspond to the sectional energy-density desired, e.g., a mosaic of squares, slats, or concentric rings. Or a metal FRO surface can be selectively graded from highly polished to increasing degrees of roughness, whence to shift from specular through to in creasing admixtures of diffusely reflected light. Orin a sense the rough equivalent of this-is an FRO member having a wavy specular or polished surface; wherein one ray incident at a point is reflected at a first angle and another, say adjacent ray incident at a second point is reflected at an angle different from the first. Flux-shaping", as I prefer to call this technique for purposes of convenience, is discussed in more detail hereinafter.

The blast-breakable FRO, e.g., sheet or foil metal, undergoes variable behavior in its punch-out. This behavior depends upon such factors as blast strength, the nature of the FRO material and the mode of mounting, the pressure within the system, and the like. In tests I have found that overly thick metal FRO may be shattered, with strands hanging from the edges of the mounting. On the other hand, when the balance between FRO strength (e.g., thickness) and the method of mounting(e.g., as when a series ofbreak holes are made at the periphery of the FRO mount, a rather curious but not unexpected phenomenon occurs when the balance between blast (at atmospheric pressure) and metal foil are just right. The FRO is very cleanly punched out and is often found at the bottom of the shock-sink as a neatly self-wrapped, crenated ball. Of course for highly brittle or shatterable FRO materials this does not take place, the result being a simple mechanical fragmentation. The balling effect is due to the rarefaction component which travels immediately behind the shock front, the positive pressure front causing the metal to collapse inwardly upon itself and so form the interesting ball.

In modifications of this and the parent invention where shock or blast-ruptured FRO elements comprise the system, the artizan will be aided by existing knowledge on bursting diaphragms. Reference is made to J. Seremak, Diaphragms: A Selected Bibliography, Clearinghouse for Federal Scientific and Technical Information( abbreviated CFSTI herein), AD 623,361, October 1965. The period of 1920 to 1965, with references, is covered.

The large deformation, e.g., from plane to dome, response of a simply-supported, inelastic, circular membrane(i.e., FRO) which is subject to blast loading (usually from spherical or symmetric CX charges under water) has been investigated upon theoretical and experimental bases by Donald Boyd (Presented at the Third Martin Symposium on Solid Mechanics, 24 June (1965), Denver, Colorado (114 pp.); AD 830,109). This analysis is especially relevant to what may be termed quasi-timed-life" FRO elements wherein, for example, the FRO is a reflection grating which, under blast loading and consequent spheroidal deformation, shifts its spectral output between blast impact and blast destruction.

The rupture strength of ductile metals subjected to pulsed loading(shock) has been investigated by Vitman et al. (Fizika metallov i metallovedeniye, l8(5):7l7 723( 1964)), with pulses of 10 to second. Metals like copper, aluminum, lead and ferrous alloys are arranged generally in the same sequence as that formed by their values of static crack strength, with some deviations.

Experiments on time and failure on about 50 different materials has established that failure occurs under loads which do not attain the limit of strength, the lifetime of the materials being inversely proportional to the load, according to an analysis by Slutsker(Priroda, no. 8,36-42 (1965)).

Consistent with the FRO ball-forming phenomenon set out herein, the metal failure under explosion force is not a permanent characteristic of its strength; it can undergo a wide range of changes depending upon the strain rate in the interacting rarefaction waves. The dynamic yield strength is apparently determined by the position of the minimum of the metal expansion curve in the area of negative pressures (e.g., of its theoretical tensile strength, according to Altshuler et al.(Akademiya nauk SSR. Doklady, no. 1, pp. 67-70( 1966)).

For abstracts of the above and 105 other items relating to elastoplasticity of FRO metal candidates, particularly high parameter energy and matter interaction, reference is made to: High Parameter Energy Matter Interaction, Surveys of Foreign Scientific and Technical Literature, ATD Report 68-14-72-1, AD 660119, Aerospace Technology Division, (US) Library of Congress, Washington, D.C., dated 23 October 1967, 59 pages.

Because of their mechanical frangibility frozen liquids make excellent FRO elements, at the same time providing reflection spectra not easily obtained by use of conventional solids. For example, I have made FRO members in slab and mirror lens from by freezing water in its pure state, with aluminum particles in suspension (aluminized ice), and with aluminum foil backing. In every instance, when inserted into the test model of the optoexplosive system, small chemical charges(e.g., black powder doped with 10-15 percent aluminum powder) readily fragmented the ice FRO and shot its debris down the shock-sink. Reflected visible light could easily be seen, and infrared pulse observed through filter by an image converter. The infrared pulse evidently corresponds to peaks of reflection for ice at 3.2 microns and 13.0 microns, with other wavelengths contributing accordingly.

Note is made of the fact that restrahlen or residual rays occur in the reflection spectrum of ice near 13 microns. The subject of the FRO as a reststrahlen monochromator is discussed subsequently.

Suffice to state that clear frozen water(ice) is an example of an FRO characterized as a frangible reflective optic operant upon the well-known fresnel law of reflection wherein two or media of different refractive indices(in this case air and ice) form the FRO. Thus, by definition an FRO need not carry a metal or silvered or like foil or coating, although this is usually desirable from the standpoint of obtaining optimum reflection.

An FRO can be operated at the extremes of temperature, as in the case of an ice mirror, or molten metal sprayed in sheet fform or allowed to run over the light incidenting surface of a suitable substrate. High or low temperatures, particularly the latter, may be desired when it is necessary to alter the physical-mechanical characteristics of an FRO(e.g., plastic cooled to the glass point so as to be highly brittle), when chemical properties and practicability dictate(e.g., otherwise highly toxic or corrosive liquids in the frozen, solid state), and when certain optical properties are to be enhanced(e.g., alteration of electron or lattice energies), and the like.

The heating or cooling of an FRO is best accomplished by use of a conventional system which includes ahollow backing member or series of pipes having inlet and outlet conduits in communication with the source of the heating or cooling agent residing at the surface(e.g., 200 in FIG, 5). Molten metal, hot liquid(pressurized or not), or liquidifled gas is circulated through the system and the FRO brought to the desired temperature point. The system itself should be frangible and, therefore, is usually constructed from light metal; alternatively, peripherally mounted pipes can be em ployed, or a concentric(and spaced) piping used, particularly for large area FRO members.

Alternatively, for fast heating to relatively high temperatures, as in the case of a fusible metal or alloy which is to act as the reflecting medium, a pyrotechnic heater. These explosive heaters are one-shot devices which consist of an actuating igniter and a piece of steel tubing containing a pyrotechnic, heat-generating composition. With a surface temperature of the order of 700C such a heater can furnish 0.625 Btu/in. at a rate of 4 to 5 seconds per inch. They can be had in long lengths, and several sections can be connected together. The pyrotechnic heater can bebent into almost any desired configuration, e.g., plane spiral, for attachment to the back of the heatable FRO, or for immersion in the FRO medium, as may be desired. Large, non-round specialty pyrotechnic heaters of greater Btu output and controlled temperature (increased if wanted), as well as burning rate, can readily be designed. See Machine Design, 4(16), 116-122(July 4, 1968) for further information.

If in FIG. 2, the explosion leg 14a and the light leg 16a are say 45 with respect to one another(the shocksink leg 18a continuing on through from 14:: in line-ofsight to 34a), the FRO means 35 may then be placed horizontal or parallel with respect to ground surface 20a. In such a configuration the FRO means can then comprise an open-faced liquid reflector. This may be carried as an appropriately thin layer within a frangible pie-plate or like pan or tray container.

The liquid reflector may be the clean, freshly-fused surface of a metal, for example; such a metal may be a low melting point alloy or it can be fusible metal which liquifies at higher temperatures, e.g., Ag, Cd, Zn, Au, Pb. Heating is done in the usual way, as by high temperature heating elements beneath and around the FRO ensemble. When oxidation and dirty-surface film ing present a problem because of the presence of air, hot gas like nitrogen or helium may be blown across the face of the molten reflector.

When it is desired to have an FRO element which is highly refractory or is material that is selectively temperatureresistent(e.g., in which the parameters of melting point(or vaporization, sublimation or decomposi tion), specific heat, and thermal conductivity interplay to provide the ultimate performance profile), or in the case of a timed-life FRO (where built-in or controlled failure is desired for modulating or demodulating the incidenting light pulse or pulse complex), or in the case of an FRO which is to exhibit change in reflectance and/or reflection spectrum through the time of the incidenting event, a number of substances can be advantageously utilized. These may be worked in a cryogenic state or at elevated temperature(as by resistence heating), to preferentially alter optical and/or mechanical properties.

These FRO substances form a very large class, usually inorganic in nature, including metals and metalloids in the elemental state, borides, carbides, nitrides, single and mixed oxides, sulfides, silicides, various metalloid compounds, and intermetallic compounds and alloys, as well as specialty ceramics and glasses(which may or may not be colloided by optically active additive(e.g., absorbing particles of metal blacks) or reflectively backed when a high degree of fresnel reflection is to be avoided). The materials run the gamut of color between white and black, with pure and mixed, variegated colors in between.

For candidates ofthis class of FRO substances the artizan should make particular reference to compilations like that ofJLF. Lynch et al.("Engineering Properties of Ceramics: Data-book to Guide Materials Selection for Structural Applications, Battelle Memorial Institute, Columbus, Ohio CFSTI AD 803,765, 688 pp., 1177 refs, June 1966), wherein thereis tabulated some 800 substances and upwards of physical, thermal (table 4.3.2 lists about 600 materials according to melting point, including incongruent melting (which is of interest in connection with timed-life and variablereflectance FRO means), vaporization and sublimation, and decomposition temperatures), mechanical, stress, and oxidation and corrosion properties. The temperature range is between about 1 and 7 X 10 C, the latter being represented by the melting points of such substances as Ta C, ZrC, NbC, TaC, and HfC. Optical data like reflectances and reflecion spectra(including the extra-visual spectrum) are not given, and the literature cited should be consulted for what sparse information may exist on this facet of materials properties.

When an optical energy-disintegrable(burnable) FRO passes into its destruct phase, due to the timevarying deposition of light therein, there is a shift in (a) reflectance efficiency and (b) spectral nature of the reflected light. A simple example is an initially white or highly reflective, disintegrable (or vaporizable) FRO material which ends up black (and, finally, physically destroyed), exhibiting gradations in reflectance and of color(or, more accurately, reflection spectrum), e.g., through yellow to brown in the familiar burning process. This behavior is decided by the FRO substance and is generally more characteristic of initially heat-resistent substances which degrade through light pulses of long duration and relatively low flux.

This lays the basis for a special modification of the burnable FRO, which may be said to correspond to photochromic and thermochromic phenomena observed in such substances as mercurous fluoride and the double mercuric iodides, HgI -ZRKR Li, Na, K). The artizan is referred to the large literature on photochromism and thermochroism for additional examples and details.

Another reflection modifying or shifting FRO is that of a burnable or change-of-state(vaporizable, sublimable) overlay substance on say a temperature resistent FRO substrate. The top layer may be only lightly bound to the substrate, the two having different different heat response properties, such that the overlay peels, spalls or otherwise breaks away so as to expose the substrate FRO, which then functions until it too is destroyed. The time constants of these types must lie within the input pulse duration, and the change-of-state be fast enough to enable the substrate FRO to come into play at some useful point in that pulse.

With the injection of extremely large amounts of optical energy within very brief periods into an FRO of small mass, e.g., of thin-film type, that FRO can be expected to literally explode. In certain ways this'may be said to be the optical analog of the exploding wire phenomenon. For example, on general thermodynamic grounds the high temperature matter should show vaporization waves, which is shown by various metals including frozen mercury(which can be utilized as an FRO element in this improvement) in the electrically exploded conductor effect, as well as the various fluid dynamical phenomena perculiar to that effect. Wave speed models and thermodynamic interpretations based upon the little available knowledge about vaporization waves are highly suggestive of method and means for the utilization of vaporization waves as the basis for a specific type of timed-life FRO. A theoretical background on the subject can be had by sterting with: F.D. Bennett, Phys. Fluids, 8, 1425(1965); G.D. Kahl, Phys. Rev., 155, 78(1967).

Included in the category of fusible FRO elements are those which are shock-fusible. Theoretically shock wave compression-fusion follows from the conservation law, and the calculation of the fusion curve is based upon the volume and fusion temperature interrelationship. Analysis by Urlin et al.(Akademiya nauk SSR. Doklady, 149(6): 1303-1306(1963); cf. p. 7 of ATD Report 68-14721 cited herein) shows that by careful mechanical shock wave measurement the intersection of the shock adiabatic curve and the fusion curve can be adequately determined if the slope is not overly steep.

Taking the case of an FRO element of lead, fused by shock, as described by Belyakov(ibid., (3):540 -543( 1966); ibid., abstract 23 on p. 14ATD Report)); thusly: Since the thermodynamic parameters of a substance in a shock wave do not change materially, it is impossible to distinguish the shock adiabatic curves for heating a substance in its solid and its two-phase states by measurements of wave and mass velocities. Lead has a substantial thermal expansion, low fusion point, and tendency to non-polymorphism.

The mass-equivalent velocity required for the melting of lead is approximately 650 meters per second, corresponding to about 23 X atmospheres pressure and a volume increase of between 22 and 23 percent. With a 2 millimeter lead sheet, as in the case of an FRO, the fusion takes place at about 1250 to 1300 meters per second; for l millimeter lead sheets the value is 1340 meters per second. Like the punched out FRO(i.e., cleanly made roundel of aluminum, metallized paper) I have observed in my tests, there is the splitting-off of a saucer'shaped layer(i.e., from the side opposite ofimpact).

The FRO may be elastic under mechanical or ther' mal loading so as to be of timed-life nature. For many materials used in the make-up of an FRO deformation obviously occurs upon shock insult or heat deposition at very high rates. However, it may be desirable for cutoff of the light pulse(derived from the explosion) at some point in time to have an elastic or thermallydeformable(warping, buckling, and the like) member whose optical surface(e.g., planeness or sphericity) is altered in a controlled manner.

Conversely, the FRO may initially be out of optical coupling with the explosion leg and/or light leg-target, so the function of an elastic FRO in this instance is to optically couple by form change source of light(CX or NX) and/or target.

Such an arrangement is adapted to chopping out a segment of the explosion light pulse beginning at a time later than the birth time T(e.g., of FIG. 6) of the explosion. This in effect enables the by-passing of unwanted early optical radiations corresponding to the leading edge of the source pulse. This may be desired when short wavelength radiations characteristic of the early, formative stage of the explosion are to be screened out.

This variety of FRO can be of one substance in contiguous form; or, a mosaic of various substances of different properties, for example. Likewise, the substrate, if any, or the backside support means(e.g., grid), if any, can be designed into a more complicated form of deformable, timed-life FRO. The material(s) employed is chosen mainly on the basis of elastic modulii, particularly at elevated temperatures where thermal energy from the input light causes abrupt excursions, and hence of form. Polymers, especially silicone or other metal-organic and fluorinated, metals, and glasses and cryptocrystalline ceramics can be used. The FRO of this type can be at either elevated temperature or in a cryogenic state, depending upon the substances and the structure.

The dynamic behavior of impulse-loaded(shock but preferably thermal) deformable, timed-life FRO means embraces a large number and wide variety of disciplines and technologies, no small number of which involve a good deal of empiricism. For example, seals and diaphragms, vibrational and waveform analyses of damping, mechanical and thermal dynamic properties of materials, and the like. This is a very broad subject no feasibly gone into detail herein, so the artizan is referred to the relevant literature. For spherical optic types of FRO elements the equations of De Luca, for example,- can be used as starting approximations. Otherwise, such problems are evidently best approached by computer analysis.

As originally disclosed, the FRO may be a reflection diffraction grating, usually a replica. This may be of the usual kind, linearly or circularly ruled and coupled to appropriate slit or onion stop at say the exit of the light leg, or, a series of such gratings can be employed(e.g., 78 and 84 in FIG. 5). However, for the far infrared, e.g., in the region between l0 and 10 microns, a wire grating can be utilized. This and the transition region are usually considered difficult for experimental work, partly because of the paucity of radiant power available from the more conventional sources, making for a considerable signal-to-noise problem. The wire grating can also be used as a reflection polarizer for the regions indicated.

Wire gratings exhibit interesting characteristics in the transition region between the infrared and the microwave, where the wavelength is approximately equal to the grating spacing. Note is made of the fact that transition energy is included in the output of NX explosions. Wire gratings and their theory for the long wavelength and transition regions are described by Wessel(Hochfrequenztechnik, 54:62(l939)). Large area wire gratings suitable for use in this invention can be made by scribing metal-coated dielectric substrate (e.g., plastic, glass, fused silica).

Narrow band or essentially monochromatic explosion-derived light can be obtained by means other than the reflection grating(absorption filters are generally less desirable because of working limitations, although the refinement of compound FRO elements discussed herein can be used). Thus, the FRO can take the form of a reststrahlen optic. Typically this is a plane or spherical mirror of the FRO kind having a first surface coating of material which provides reflected residual radiation. The coating is usually in crystalline form, sintered, pressed or minimally cemented as a coating on the substrate. Such devices are worked in the infrared. Examples of materials include sodium potassium niobate( 1 l to 40 microns), and cesium iodide and cesi' um bromide(l20 and micron peaks). Structurally such FRO elements may be considered in the class of the compound FRO.

The FRO need not be of plane or spherical surface contour. It can have a bulk or volume geometry when it is desired to include lasing material, for example, adapted to pumping by explosion light. .lllustratively, in FIG. 1 member 26 is set parallel to the axis of leg 16; at the light input 34 or face of 26 there is positioned a square, rectangular or other appropriate bulk of lasing substance. Light 34 enters the lasing substance and reflects back thereinto, giving a side pumping. The lasing material may be stacked rods of solid laser material such as ruby, Nd activated glass, or the like. The laser light exit ends of the laser stack align parallel to leg 16, to impact target 30.

Alternatively, the laser may be a liquid carried within say a silica cell backed by FRO at say the Brewster angle. The silica cell is usually plane at the front(facing the incoming beam 34, which pumps), and may be of rectangular or square or circular side wall geometry, 

1. In combination with an irradiable target characterized as sensitive to the kinetic energies of an explosion, for the irradiation of said target with reflectable electromagnetic radiations, the system which comprises: a. an enclosed main duct emplaced underground, said duct having two end parts; b. a firable explosive positioned within a first end part of the said main duct, said explosive characterized as generating reflectable electromagnetic radiations and kinetic energies of different velocities; c. a secondary, branching duct joined with the main duct between the two end parts; d. a frangible reflective optic angularly sited within the main duct to reflect reflectable electromagnetic radiations into the said branching duct; e. and an irradiable target reflectively coupled to the said frangible reflective optic through the branching duct; such that upon the firing of the said firable explosive reflectable electromagnetic radiations strike the frangible reflective optic and reflectively couple with the said irradiable target and the non-reflectable energy breaks through the said optic and deposits within the said second send part of the main duct, so that the target is irradiated.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein the said firable explosive is a nuclear explosive.
 1. In combination with an irradiable target characterized as sensitive to the kinetic energies of an explosion, for the irradiation of said target with reflectable electromagnetic radiations, the system which comprises: a. an enclosed main duct emplaced underground, said duct having two end parts; b. a firable explosive positioned within a first end part of the said main duct, said explosive characterized as generating reflectable electromagnetic radiations and kinetic energies of different velocities; c. a secondary, branching duct joined with the main duct between the two end parts; d. a frangible reflective optic angularly sited within the main duct to reflect reflectable electromagnetic radiations into the said branching duct; e. and an irradiable target reflectively coupled to the said frangible reflective optic through the branching duct; such that upon the firing of the said firable explosive reflectable electromagnetic radiations strike the frangible reflective optic and reflectively couple with the said irradiable target and the non-reflectable energy breaks through the said optic and deposits within the said second send part of the main duct, so that the target is irradiated.
 2. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein the said firable explosive is a nuclear explosive.
 3. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein the said firable explosive is a chemical explosive.
 4. The combination as set forth in claim 1, wherein the said branching duct joined with the main duct between the two said end parts subtends by less than 90* in the direction of the said first end part of the main duct having positioned therein the firable explosive.
 5. The combination as set forth in claim 4, wherein the said firable explosive is nuclear explosive.
 6. In a branched underground tunnel system for nuclear explosive light generation a destructible reflective member optically coupled at a first angle with a nuclear explosive source of light and optically coupled at a second angle with a tunnel branching in communication with an irradiable target, the said second angle characterized as being different from the said first angle; and a receptable arranged at a third angle, said third angle characterized as being different from the said second angle, so that upon explosion of the said nuclear explosive source of light there is generated reflectable rays togethers with non-reflectable rays, the said reflectable rays having a velocity greater than the velocity of the said non-reflectable rays, such that the reflectable rays strike the reflective member before the non-reflectable rays and reflect at the first angle from the said member into the second angle and into the said irradiable target, and thereafter the non-reflectable rays strike the destructible reflective member to destroy the member with the non-reflectable rays and the debris from the destroyed member being carried into the said receptacle.
 7. In a branched underground tunnel system for nuclear explosive light generation as set forth in claim 6, wherein the said second angle is approximately 90* with respect to the said first angle.
 8. In a branched underground tunnel system for nuclear explosive light generation as set forth in claim 6, wherein the said second angle is less than 90* with respect to the said first angle.
 9. In a branched underground tunnel system for nuclear explosive light generation as set forth in claim 6, wherein the said second angle is more than 90* with respect to the said first angle.
 10. In a branched underground tunnel system for nuclear explosive light generation as set forth in claim 6, wherein a single nuclear explosive source of light at a common first angle is optically coupled with at least two of the said second angle tunnel branchings.
 11. An underground nuclear device for the separation of the reflectable electromagnetic radiation from the non-reflectable energy of a contained nuclear explosion, wherein the said reflectable electromagnetic radiation has a velocity greater than that of the non-reflectable energy, which comprises: a. a substantially straight containment tunnel underground; b. at least one side-arm duct joining the said tunnel at a right angle between the closed ends of the said tunnel; c. a nuclear explosive device set at one of the ends of the tunnel, said nuclear device characterized as generating reflectable electromagnetic radiation together with non-reflectable energy of faster and slower velocities; d. actuation means for the firing of the said nuclear device; e. a frangible reflective optic at the said joining of the tunnel and the side-arm duct, said optic being in a common coupling with the tunnel and the side-arm duct at approximately one-half of a right angle with respect to the tunnel and the duct; f. an irradiable target sited within the said side-arm duct adapted to receive the said reflectable electromagnetic radiation from the said optic moving faster than the said non-reflectable energy; g. and a second end receptacle part of the said tunnel adapted to depose of the slower non-reflectable energy from the explosion of the nuclEar device.
 12. An underground optoexplosive device for the separation of the reflectable electromagnetic radiation from the non-reflectable energy of a contained explosion, wherein the said reflectable electromagnetic radiation is characterized as having a velocity greater than the said non-reflectable energy of the explosion, which comprises: a. a substantially linear tunnel situated underground, said tunnel having two ends at least one of which ends is closed; b. an explosive energy source contained within the said tunnel at one of the said ends; c. explosive energy source firing means in communication with the said explosive energy source; d. at least one first side-arm duct having a closed end, the said first duct joining the said tunnel between the ends thereof at an angle less than a right angle in the direction of the end of the tunnel containing the said explosive energy source; e. at least one second side-arm duct angularly joining the first side-arm duct between the closed end and the first joining thereof; f. a series of frangible reflective optics positioned at an angle at the joinings of the said tunnel and the said side-arm ducts, said angle adapted to the common axes of the tunnel and the ducts; g. an irradiable target optically coupled to the said series of frangible reflective optics through the ducts and tunnel; h. and closed end portions of the tunnel and ducts adapted to receive the said non-reflectable energy from the explosion of the explosive source upon the firing thereof.
 13. An underground optoexplosive device as set forth in claim 12, wherein the said first side-arm duct is sealed off underground and the said irradiable target carried within the said second side-arm duct is sealed off therein.
 14. An underground optoexplosive system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the said explosive energy source is a nuclear explosive device.
 15. An underground optoexplosive device as set forth in claim 12, wherein the said explosive energy source is a chemical explosive device.
 16. An underground explotron for the separation of the faster moving reflectable electromagnetic radiation from the slower moving non-reflectable energy of an explosion, for the treatment of an irradiable target with refelectable radiation, the system which comprises: a. an underground main tunnel having closed ends; b. a firable explosive device positioned within the said main tunnel between the said closed ends; c. at least two branching pipes joining the said main tunnel between the closed ends and on each side of the said explosive device; d. an angular conjoinment of the ends opposite the closed ends of the said pipes so as to form a common chamber; e. at least two frangible reflective optics emplaced at the joinings of the said pipes and the main tunnel, such that there is an optical coupling of the said explosive device with the said common chamber through the main tunnel and pipes; f. and an irradiable target in optical communication with the common chamber; such that upon firing the said firable explosive device the faster moving reflectable electromagnetic radiation first reflects into the irradiable target and the slower moving non-reflectable energy breaks through the said frangible reflective optic and passes into the closed ends of the main tunnel.
 17. The underground explotron as set forth in claim 16, wherein the firable explosive device includes a chemical explosive agent.
 18. The underground explotron as set forth in claim 16, wherein the firable explosive device includes a nuclear explosive agent.
 19. The combination in an underground optoexplosive system for the time controlled treatment of an irradiable target with explosion energy which comprises: a. a main tunnel section positioned underground; b. a firable explosion energy source sited within the said main tunnel section including a branching upper leg and a branching lower leg, the said legs being conduits and branching in a substantially common axis with respect to one another from the site of the said explosion energy source sited within the tunnel; c. a controllably impellable piston movably emplaced within the said upper leg; d. a passageway for the piston in the upper leg through the site of the explosion energy source; e. a lower leg adapted to receive the said impellable piston upon movement from the upper leg and the traversing thereof of the said passageway in the tunnel section containing the explosion energy source; f. and means for the time controlled release of the piston in the upper leg; such that upon the firing of the explosion energy source into a live explosion the release of the said piston and its traversing of the said site diverts a part of the explosion into the said lower leg while the non-diverted part of the explosion enters the main tunnel section.
 20. The combination of an underground optoexplosive system for the time controlled treatment of an irradiable target with explosion energy as set forth in claim 19, wherein the release of the piston is by mechanical release.
 21. The combination of an underground optoexplosive system for the time controlled treatment of an irradiable target with explosion energy as set forth in claim 19, wherein the release of the piston includes the application of explosive force to the piston.
 22. The combination in an underground optoexplosive system for the time controlled treatment of an irradiable target with explosion energy which comprises: a. a main tunnel section positioned underground; b. a firable explosion energy source sited within the said main tunnel section including a branching upper leg and a branching lower leg, the said legs being conduits and branching in a substantially common axis with respect to one another from the site of the said explosion energy source sited within the tunnel; c. a secondary source of explosion energy firably emplaced within the said upper leg; d. a passageway between the site of the said firable explosion energy source in the main tunnel section and the said upper leg; e. a lower leg adapted to receive energy from the said secondary source of explosion energy firably emplaced within the said upper leg; f. and means for the time controlled firing of the said secondary explosion energy source; such that upon the firing of the firable explosion energy source into a live explosion the release of energy from the said secondary source traverses the site of the firable explosion energy source and diverts a part of the explosion thereof into the lower leg while the non-diverted part of the explosion enters the main tunnel section.
 23. The combination in an underground optoexplosive system for the time controlled treatment of an irradiable target with explosion energy as set forth in claim 22, wherein the said secondary source of explosion energy is a shaped charge.
 24. The combination in an underground optoexplosive system for the time controlled treatment of an irradiable target with explosion energy as set forth in claim 22, wherein the said secondary source of explosion energy includes chemical explosive. 